It has been over 56 years since my crew and I returned safely from England to the wonderful USA after successfully completing 33 high altitude bombing missions over Germany and surrounding areas. One of my top "gonna do" chores has always been to create a booklet of memorabilia such as this. Time has marched on and more and more WWII veterans are passing on. Each year fewer and fewer of us who were in the midst of the air war are available first-hand stories of the happenings. THIS WAS HISTORY IN THE MAKING and I am perturbed that the media gives so little attention to the anniversary of these events of historical signifigance. Vets are not seeking recognition; we just want the world to realize that some of these happenings are likely to have changed the history of our world as we know it today. I am suprised at the lack of knowledge of the WWII era in the generations that followed it. How many of you can give me the anniversary dates of Pearl Harbor, The Invasion of France, Victory in Germany, Bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and Victory in Japan. The Hiroshima and Nagasaki issue will always be controversial ones, but those of us who were part of the war will forever be convinced that, as disasterous as it was, it ultimately saved hundreds of thousands of lives. Japanese, Americans and other nationalities!!! I feel the need to pass on as much information as I can primarily for the benefit of my children, grandchildren and all future generations who might have some interest in knowing what "Grampaw Hathaway" did in the "Big One". Information is best when it comes straight from the "horse's mouth". This need for first-hand knowledge from this horse was brought home to me a few years ago when, in one of my grandson's third grade history class, he proudly announced, "My Grandfather flew a B-17 Bomber in the Civil War". Right bomber, wrong war, but happy to be remembered. Please read and I trust enjoy. Carl Hathaway is a man that I am truly indebted to. He is responsible for giving me and millions of other people in the United States freedom. I live my life in freedom today because of brave men like Carl Hathaway. During World War II, Carl and many others risked their lives for the well-being of present and future Americans. Born in 1970, I and many others tend to forget about the past generations that fought for our freedoms. Many times I sit back and think how frightening it must have been to be in the shoes of a World War II soldier during those times. In today’s world I wonder if my generation could “rise to the occasion” of another World War, God forbid. May we as Americans never forget the effort, valor and bravery put forth during those years in the 1940’s. I recognize the valor and commitment that men like Carl put forth in that terrible war. Carl has told me many great stories about flying during World War II that I will always cherish. These are stories that I will pass down to my friends, family, and children. May Carl’s stories about World War II and flying the B-24 and B-17 be forever saved in the annals of United States history. Carl Hathaway is my hero, and let us not forget that heroes made the United States the country that it is today. Respectfully, Scott C. Gilmore

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